NCJ Number
97309
Date Published
1985
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A questionnaire sent to law enforcement agencies in 10 States was designed to measure the extent, interrelation, and involvement of children in pornography, prostitution, and sexual assaults, as well as the attitudes of police toward the seriousness of these crimes and the criminal justice system handling of the involved offenders.
Abstract
The study arose from increasing concern about the problem of child abuse and neglect and from the awareness that no reliable data existed on the magnitude and significance of child pornography. The police chiefs in all 50 States received a letter inviting participation in the study. A total of 2,383 questionnaires were sent to the 10 States indicating interest. Of these, 832 agencies (34.9 percent) returned the questionnaires. Data were analyzed by region. About 20 percent of the responding agencies had investigated the use, sale, or possession of child pornography from 1978 to 1980. A total of 19.7 percent had investigated child prostitution cases. Almost one-third of the agencies had at least one arrest for child sexual assault in 1980. Attitudes regarding the seriousness of the crimes and appropriate sentencing varied by type of offense and region. Law enforcement personnel did not believe that drug treatment should replace prison sentences for child molesters. The survey did not reveal referrals to child protective agencies or the services provided to victims and their families. Agencies involved with these children need to develop strong cooperative relationships so that the services will be forthcoming. Data tables are supplied.